U.S. Moves Forward on Easing Travel to Cuba

Today, the United States announced a loosening of rules that will make it easier for U.S. travelers to visit Cuba—but don't start making your grand Havana plans just yet.

Following President Obama's December call for re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba after a 54-year halt, the U.S. Departments of Treasury and Commerce today announced new specific measures, which take effect Friday, to ease restrictions on travel to the island nation.

While the moves signal more leeway in travel and commerce between the two estranged countries, it's not exactly full-on tourism yet.

U.S. travelers will still have to fall into one of the 12 authorized categories—such as visiting family, conducting U.S. or foreign government business, pursuing journalistic or educational activities—but they will no longer have to obtain a specific license from the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. They can self-report their travel purpose.

Since the new rules will also allow airlines and travel agents to circumvent an OFAC license to provide service to Cuba, U.S. travelers will be able to book their own trips and make their own travel arrangements—eventually. Travel to Cuba is still technically illegal for Americans who don't fit into one of the authorized categories, but since they're no longer required to apply for a license, it's unclear how the government would enforce this.

Once in Cuba, spending becomes easier—the previously imposed per diem rate has been lifted. U.S. travelers will be allowed to bring back up to $400 worth of goods for their personal use, including no more than $100 worth of alcohol or tobacco products. (Keep in mind that a box of good Cuban cigars can cost several hundred dollars.)

Under the new rules, U.S. travelers will be able to use credit and debit cards in Cuba.

In another first, U.S. insurers will be authorized to provide health, life, and travel coverage to visitors traveling to or within Cuba.